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Mike Tomlin And His Legendary Predecessors

Experience. In life, it's undeniably necessary. In sports? There's more of a debate to be had. Yesterday, we looked at the career resume of offensive line coach Larry Zierlein. Must of us came away with the impression that despite having a tremendous amount of experience coaching at the college level, and to a lesser extent, at the professional level, not much of that experience yielded productive results either in the win column, or in the stat sheets of the offenses working behind his lines.

Today, I'd like to take a look at Mike Tomlin's coaching resume, while keeping an eye on how the Rooney family has made head coaching decisions with their franchise. There have been some valid points made recently by those who are not quite 100% enthused with the selection of Mike Tomlin as the head coach of this proud franchise. Personnel management, both in game and from week-to-week, suspect challenges, and a few crucial tactical misfires are all valid reasons to have reservations about the 16th head coach in Steelers franchise history.

But, to point to his lack of coaching experience as the primary reason for being skeptical, while still professing faith in the Rooneys and how they do business, is incongruous logic.

Since 1969, when Charles Henry Noll was handed the reigns to the organization, there have been just three head coaches at the helm of the team. Noll, Cowher, and now Tomlin. All were under the age of 40. And none had head coaching experience. At any level.

Re: Mike Tomlin And His Legendary Predecessors

Noll and Cowher both didn't have 24x7 football coverage available when they took over as head coach of the Steelers and, of course, Noll more so than Cowher. They made the exact same mistakes that Tomlin made last year, some questionable personnel decisions, poor in game adjustments, questionable coaching hires, etc. The difference is that it wasn't as easy to dissect every move they made in the fashion that Tomlin is being dissected due to media coverage and knuckleheads like us on the internet.

From the moment Tomlin stepped off the plane at PIA and was greeted by Steeler fans (that didn't know he was arriving...yeah, right) he had to realize that his life was never going to be the same and he was going to be scrutinized.

The Steelers were 10-6 and missed winning a playoff game by one play last year. Regardless, of the schedule, winning 10 games in the NFL isn't easy and Tomlin by all accounts had a solid, but, not spectacular year. This year's draft was very good and the few free agent signings look positive right now. I would have like to see Zeirlein and Ligashesky shown the door; but, Tomlin retained them and I have to assume that the O-line and STs have to improve this year or they will be let go (possibly during the season if there isn't marked improvement).

Tomlin doesn't remind me of a coach who makes a knee jerk reaction to anything, on the other hand, I don't believe tolerate failure over an extended period of time. I wouldn't be too comfortable if I were Ligashesky or Zeirlein as they head into camp and the start of this upcoming season.

It will be interesting this year for sure, Steeler fans are expecting another trip to the playoffs and, probably a win this year rather than a first round loss.

Mineral Ridge, Ohio (Where the standard of expectation does not change)!!!

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Re: Mike Tomlin And His Legendary Predecessors

Tomlin sure does talk an excellent game. I was extremely excited when the Rooneys went "outside the organization." I had an uneasy feeling about Russ Grimm. Couldn't pinpoint it then, and I still can't. Anyway, I was so excited because I thought Tomlin would be more cutthroat. What I mean by that is benching players who didn't perform, etc. I loved the SI artcile about Tomlin and his idea of "The News." However, in season, I don't think there was ever one mention in any article I read about Tomlin's News. I guess I was naive to think that he would call out guys. I'm not even sure I would want that. Watching last season, it was difficult to distinguish it from a Cowher season. Some may say that is great, others say that is bad. That's a different argument for a different MB. I was happy with Tomlin's 1st season, but expect to see marked improvement in yr 2.

Re: Mike Tomlin And His Legendary Predecessors

i remember reading a few articles about "the news" but i'm too lazy to look them up. who would you have benched and played in their spot? the only guy that i would have benched that had a reasonable replacement was Colon... maybe simmons..

Mineral Ridge, Ohio (Where the standard of expectation does not change)!!!

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Re: Mike Tomlin And His Legendary Predecessors

Originally Posted by birtikidis

i remember reading a few articles about "the news" but i'm too lazy to look them up. who would you have benched and played in their spot? the only guy that i would have benched that had a reasonable replacement was Colon... maybe simmons..

birt I just thought it was going to be a more publicized thing. As far as last yr goes, Haggans was a waste and Woodley should have seen the field more.

Re: Mike Tomlin And His Legendary Predecessors

I think Tomlin's first big move was releasing Peezy. I think Tomlin wanted to make it clear that this was his team. Not saying Peezy would still be here if Cowher had stayed. Just that any time you take something over (team, group, whatever) you have to establish your authority. Peezy was a threat to that and Tomlin let him go. Just my opinion.

Mineral Ridge, Ohio (Where the standard of expectation does not change)!!!

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1,574

Re: Mike Tomlin And His Legendary Predecessors

Originally Posted by birtikidis

i agree with wood. wonder if he knew the d well enough though...?

I think he didn't see as much PT because of his injury. Still, he dominated in that Jax playoff game, and we could've used his push earlier in the yr. I can't remember the exact #'s but I think he played like 90 total snaps last year and had 6 sacks. That is insane. If you translate that over to a full season that means Woodley should have 67 sacks this year!